#ProtivitiWomenInFSI – Meet Ronita

This Thursday, American Banker will host its 14th annual “The Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance” awards dinner. Protiviti is proud to be the exclusive Platinum Sponsor and to celebrate this milestone achievement with executives and leaders from some of our clients!

To gear up for this momentous moment, we have spent the month of September spotlighting a few #ProtivitiWomenInFSI and their unique stories. The last spotlight in our series is Ronita!

• What was your path to Protiviti? – “My path to Protiviti is linked to birth of Protiviti, i.e. the Arthur Andersen connection.”
• What excites you the most about your work in the financial services industry? – “The excitement of the trading floor, the international flavor of the people you meet through working in major financial centers globally, as well as being part of something that impacts markets and the economy at large. The bull and the bear create a roller coaster ride with thrills and spills.”
• What has been the biggest challenge you have faced working in the financial services industry? – “Despite a better track record than some other industries in terms of favorable policies for women, there is still a way to go in terms of addressing the needs of women to manage both their career and family without compromising one for the other. There is also plenty of room for improving the current gender promotion track and pay differences.”
• Who has played a critical role in the development of your career? – “The individuals I’ve worked for who are not only technically strong in their area of focus, but have climbed the corporate ladder through consideration for others, be it their staff or clients, being generous with their time and praise, and not shirking from responsibility or accountability when things don’t go smoothly. I also admire those that dare to be different and stick their neck out for what they believe in.”
• What is your advice would you give to both current and future women in banking to face the future with confidence? – “My advice is to conduct yourself in the corporate world with femininity and grace, and not feel the pressure to emulate the stereotypical male behavioral traits associated with the financial services industry. Also, to avoid making enemies as the corporate world is an increasing small place and you never know when paths cross again!”